Multiple mode display apparatus

ABSTRACT

A multiple mode display apparatus and methods of use. An apparatus includes a display surface with a first and a second display area. A housing pivotally attached with the display proximate a first edge of the housing is displaceable from a coplanar position with the surface of the display device to a position wherein an angle of at least 90 degrees between the surface of the display and the housing is formed along said first edge. In the first position, the first display area is visible and activated to receive user input or to display output. The second display area is covered by the housing and placed in a mode of reduced power consumption. In the second position, the second display area is visible and activated to display output.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0001] This disclosure relates generally to the field of digitalcomputing devices. In particular, the disclosure relates to a displayapparatus for user interaction in a plurality of configurations.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

[0002] Today, a personal computing and/or communicating device such as alaptop or notebook computer, for example, or a tablet or palm-heldcomputer, has a single typical mode of use. The display of a tabletcomputer, for example, may be touch-sensitive for interactive user inputby a stylus or pen-like device. A notebook, on the other hand, mayaccept interactive user input through a keyboard or a pointing devicesuch as a mouse or a touch pad. While personal computing and/orcommunicating devices are rapidly changing, with new technologies fordisplays, pointing devices, keyboards and such, the mode of interactiveuser input for a particular device is typically limited to a smallnumber of fixed functional options with some support for the addition ofperipheral devices and docking configurations.

[0003] Another common characteristic of current personal computingand/or communicating devices is the importance of battery life. Systemmanufacturers go to great lengths to conserve power and charge premiumsfor the latest battery technologies. Processors have design featuressuch as automatic frequency reduction directed at limiting powerconsumption and display devices dim backlighting when on battery power.Systems put themselves into a standby mode after a period of no userinput or when power reserves reach a critical level.

[0004] At times, it may be inconvenient for a user to have such alimited range of options. A particular user may most often need tointeract with a device while holding the device in one hand, but muststore or carry along one or more peripherals in order to read data froma disk or to interact with the device through a keyboard or view a fullcolor display. If an extra battery is not readily available, the usermay be forced to terminate interactive use of the device until analternative power source is available. This situation is especiallyprevalent since current display devices require a significant portion ofa battery's power reserves. A user carrying a notebook computer may notrequire a full color display or even a keyboard to read email but thedevice may not be so flexible as to permit easy reconfiguration.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0005] The present invention is illustrated by way of example and notlimitation in the figures of the accompanying drawings.

[0006]FIG. 1 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device having afirst user interactive configuration with a fully active display area.

[0007]FIG. 2 illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 1 with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0008]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device having apivotally attached keyboard housing.

[0009]FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area.

[0010]FIG. 5 illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 4 with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0011]FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a computingdevice having a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area.

[0012]FIG. 7 illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 6 with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0013]FIG. 8a illustrates one embodiment of a transformable computingdevice having a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area.

[0014]FIG. 8b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0015]FIG. 8c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to support the device from behindthe display.

[0016]FIG. 8d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to support the device from behind the display.

[0017]FIG. 8e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display.

[0018]FIG. 8f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent with the backsurface of the display.

[0019]FIG. 8g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 8a.

[0020]FIG. 9a illustrates an alternative embodiment of a transformablecomputing device having a first user interactive configuration with afully active display area.

[0021]FIG. 9b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing covering part ofthe display area to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive.

[0022]FIG. 9c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to support the device from behindthe display.

[0023]FIG. 9d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to support the device from behind the display.

[0024]FIG. 9e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with a fully active display area and withthe base housing pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display.

[0025]FIG. 9f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing pivotallydisplaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while the base housingis pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent with the backsurface of the display.

[0026]FIG. 9g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 9a.

[0027]FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computingdevice having a pivotally attached keyboard housing.

[0028]FIG. 11 illustrates one alternative embodiment of a userinteractive configuration of a computing device in a mode of reducedpower consumption with a keyboard housing covering part of the displayarea while another part of the display area remains visible andinteractive, a base housing being pivotally displaced to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of the display.

[0029]FIG. 12 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a userinteractive configuration of a computing device with a fully activedisplay area, a base housing being pivotally displaced to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of the display and a keyboardhousing being pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe base housing.

[0030]FIG. 13 illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 11 or of FIG. 12.

[0031]FIG. 14a illustrates in detail one alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice.

[0032]FIG. 14b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 14a with the keyboard housingoptionally displaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while thebase housing is pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display.

[0033]FIG. 14c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 14a with afully active display area, the keyboard housing being supported by thebase housing which is pivotally displaced to form an angle with displaysurface of substantially 90 degrees.

[0034]FIG. 15a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice.

[0035]FIG. 15b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 15a with the keyboard housingoptionally displaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while thebase housing is pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display.

[0036]FIG. 15c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 15a with afully active display area, the keyboard housing being supported by thebase housing which is pivotally displaced to form an angle with displaysurface of substantially 90 degrees.

[0037]FIG. 16a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice.

[0038]FIG. 16b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 16a with the keyboard housingoptionally displaced to a mode of reduced power consumption while thebase housing is pivotally displaced to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display.

[0039]FIG. 16c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 16a with afully active display area, the keyboard housing being supported by thebase housing which is pivotally displaced to form an angle with displaysurface of substantially 90 degrees.

[0040]FIG. 17a illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of aprocess for configuring a plurality of user interactive modes of atransformable computing device.

[0041]FIG. 17b illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of aprocess for optionally configuring between a plurality of userinteractive modes and a standby mode of a transformable computingdevice.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0042] Disclosed herein is a multiple mode display apparatus and methodsof use. One embodiment of an apparatus includes a display surface with afirst and a second display area. A housing pivotally attached with thedisplay proximate a first edge of the housing is displaceable from acoplanar position with the surface of the display device to a positionwherein an angle of at least 90 degrees between the surface of thedisplay and the housing is formed along said first edge. In the firstposition, the first display area is visible and activated to receiveuser input or to display output, but the second display area is coveredby the housing and placed in a mode of reduced power consumption. In thesecond position, the second display area is visible and activated todisplay output.

[0043] These and other embodiments of the present invention may berealized in accordance with the following teachings and it should beevident that various modifications and changes may be made in thefollowing teachings without departing from the broader spirit and scopeof the invention. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to beregarded in an illustrative rather than restrictive sense and theinvention measured only in terms of the claims and their equivalents.

[0044] For the purpose of the following discussion of embodiments of thepresent invention, illustrative terms are used. Definitions for certainsuch illustrative terms follows.

[0045] A computing device or a communicating device may be understood tomean any one of a variety of devices for accessing data and/orcommunications. Examples include but are not limited to any combinationsof one or more of the following: laptop computers, notebook computers;desktop computers, personal digital assistants, handheld computers,personal organizers; palmtop computers, pocket computers, cellulartelephone/fax devices, game computers, digitizing tablet devices,electronic books, or digital audio recorder/players.

[0046] A keyboard or a key-entry device may be understood to mean anyone of a variety of devices for keyed entry of data, including but notlimited to a combination of one or more of the following: analpha-numeric keyboard having symbols of any language; a telephonekeypad having numeric or alpha-numeric keys and/or various redial,memory-dial, messaging or other function keys and optionally including aglide-point or other pointing device; a numeric keypad with variousmathematical operation keys; a directional keypad with arrows, menus orselection keys; a gaming keypad; an entertainment or presentationkey-entry device with various seek, scan, play, reverse, fast-forward,channel select, volume control, level control or other function keys; acash register keyboard; or any custom key-entry device havingmechanical, electronic, printed, projected or other type of keys foruser interaction.

[0047] A display may be understood to mean any one of a variety ofdevices for displaying data, images, icons, etc. It may comprise acontinuous or discontinuous, flat, curved or flexible display surfaceincluding but not limited to a combination of one or more of thefollowing technologies: liquid crystal with amorphous silicon thin-filmtransistor, metal-insulator-metal, or polysilicon thin-film transistoractive matrix displays or liquid crystal with color super-twist nematic,double-layer supertwist nematic, high performance addressing, or dualscan passive matrix displays; back lit displays; electroluminescentdisplays; gas plasma displays; plasma addressed liquid crystal displays;digital visual interface displays; field emission displays; cathode raytube displays; thin cold cathode displays; organic light-emitting diodedisplays; light-emitting polymer displays; touch screen displays usingmulti-wire resistive, surface wave, touch-on-tube, or infrared touchsensing; interlaced or progressive scanned displays; heads-up displays;back-projecting displays; reflective displays; or holographicautostereoscopic displays.

[0048] It will be appreciated that the invention may be modified inarrangement and detail by those skilled in the art without departingfrom the principles of the present invention within the scope of theaccompanying claims and their equivalents.

[0049] Turning now to FIG. 1, one embodiment of a computing device isillustrated, the computing device having a first user interactiveconfiguration 101 with a fully active display area 114. The computingdevice also includes base housing 112, keyboard housing 111, andpointing device 116. In one embodiment, base housing 112 is pivotallyattached with display area 114 and comprises one or more processors, anda rechargeable battery. In one embodiment, keyboard housing 111 iselectrically connected with base housing 112 by wires, and in analternative embodiment keyboard housing 111 comprises a wirelesskeyboard. In the first user interactive configuration 101, keyboardhousing 111 forms an angle 113 with display area 114 of substantially 90degrees or more. For one embodiment of the first user interactiveconfiguration 101, keyboard housing 111 and pointing device 116 are bothactive to receive user input.

[0050]FIG. 2 illustrates a second user interactive configuration 201 ofthe computing device of FIG. 1 with the keyboard housing 111 covering aportion of the display area 114 to place the display device in a mode ofreduced power consumption while another portion 214 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, keyboard housing 111 is pivotally attached with display area114, and displaced from the position of the first user interactiveconfiguration 101 to a position substantially coplanar with display area114 in the second user interactive configuration 201. For onealternative embodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 111 isdeactivated to transmit user input in the second user interactiveconfiguration 201.

[0051]FIG. 3 illustrates one embodiment of a computing device 300 havinga display device 314 and a keyboard housing 311, which is pivotallyattached with display device 314 proximate edge 315. For one embodimentof computing device 300, keyboard housing 311 is pivotally displaceableabout edge 315 from a first position substantially coplanar with thesurface of the display device 314 wherein a bottom portion of thedisplay area of display device 314 is visually obscured by keyboardhousing 311 and is not active to display output. Keyboard housing 311 isalso displaceable to a second position with the surface of displaydevice 314 wherein the bottom portion of the display area is visible andthe entire display area of display device 314 is active to displayoutput.

[0052]FIG. 4 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computing devicehaving a first user interactive configuration 401 with a fully activedisplay area 414. The computing device includes base housing 412, andkeyboard housing 411. In one embodiment, base housing 412 is pivotallyattached with display area 414. For one embodiment of the first userinteractive configuration 401, keyboard housing 411 forms an angle 413with display area 414 of substantially 90 degrees or more. For oneembodiment of the first user interactive configuration 401, keyboardhousing 411 is active to receive user input.

[0053]FIG. 5 illustrates a second user interactive configuration 501 ofthe computing device of FIG. 4 with the keyboard housing 411 covering aportion of the display area 414 to place the display device in a mode ofreduced power consumption while another portion 514 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, keyboard housing 411 is pivotally attached with display area414, and displaced from the position of the first user interactiveconfiguration 401 to a position substantially coplanar with display area414 in the second user interactive configuration 501. For onealternative embodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 411 isdeactivated to transmit user input in the second user interactiveconfiguration 401. For one alternative embodiment of the second userinteractive configuration 501, base housing 412 is pivotallydisplaceable about an angle 513 with respect to display area 414 andkeyboard housing 411.

[0054]FIG. 6 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a computingdevice having a first user interactive configuration 601 with a fullyactive display area 614. The computing device includes base housing 612,and keyboard housing 611. For one embodiment of the first userinteractive configuration 601, keyboard housing 611 forms an angle 613with display area 614 of substantially 90 degrees or more. For oneembodiment of the first user interactive configuration 601, keyboardhousing 611 is active to receive user input.

[0055]FIG. 7 illustrates a second user interactive configuration 701 ofthe computing device of FIG. 6 with the keyboard housing 611 covering aportion of the display area 614 to place the display device in a mode ofreduced power consumption while another portion 714 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, keyboard housing 611 is pivotally attached with display area614, and displaced from the position of the first user interactiveconfiguration 601 to a position substantially coplanar with display area714 in the second user interactive configuration 701. For onealternative embodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 611 isdeactivated to transmit user input in the second user interactiveconfiguration 701.

[0056]FIG. 8a illustrates one embodiment of a transformable computingdevice having a first user interactive configuration with a fully activedisplay area 814 and a keyboard housing 811 pivotally attached aboutpivot axis 818, keyboard housing 811 forming an angle 813 with displayarea 814 of substantially 90 degrees or more. For one embodiment of thetransformable computing device, base housing 812 is pivotally attachedabout pivot axis 817 with respect to display area 814, pivot axis 818and keyboard housing 811. For one alternative embodiment of thetransformable computing device, pivot axis 817 and pivot axis 818function as a double acting hinge. For another alternative embodiment ofthe transformable computing device, pivot axis 818 may be divided topermit display area 814 and keyboard housing 811 to pivot independentlyabout pivot axis 817, functioning as-a pair of double acting hinges.

[0057]FIG. 8b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing 811 covering partof the display area 814 to place the display device in a mode of reducedpower consumption while another part 824 of the display area remainsvisible and interactive. Keyboard housing 811 is displaced about pivotaxis 818 from the position of the first user interactive configurationto a position substantially coplanar with display area 814 in the seconduser interactive configuration.

[0058]FIG. 8c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with a fully active display area 814 andwith the base housing 812 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 817, basehousing 812 forming an angle 810 with a back surface opposite displayarea 814 of substantially 90 degrees to support the computing devicefrom behind the display. Keyboard housing 811 forms an angle 813 aboutpivot axis 818 with the front surface of display area 814 ofsubstantially 90 degrees or more.

[0059]FIG. 8d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing 811 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 818 to a position substantially coplanar withdisplay area 814 to place the display device in a mode of reduced powerconsumption. While keyboard housing 811 covers part of the display area814, another part 824 of the display area remains visible andinteractive. Base housing 812 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis817, base housing 812 forming an angle 810 with the back surfaceopposite display area 814 of substantially 90 degrees to support thecomputing device from behind the display.

[0060]FIG. 8e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with a fully active display area 814 andwith the base housing 812 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 817 to acoplanar position adjacent with the back surface of the display.Keyboard housing 811 again forms an angle 813 about pivot axis 818 withthe front surface of display area 814 of substantially 90 degrees ormore.

[0061]FIG. 8f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 8a with the keyboard housing 811 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 818 to a mode of reduced power consumptionwhile the base housing 812 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis 817to a coplanar position adjacent with the back surface of the display.While keyboard housing 811 covers part of the display area 814, anotherpart 824 of the display area remains visible and interactive. For oneembodiment of the computing device, keyboard housing 811 is deactivatedto transmit user input in the coplanar position adjacent with displayarea 814. For an alternative embodiment of the computing device,keyboard housing 811 is activated to transmit user input in the coplanarposition adjacent with display area 814 but the covered part of displayarea 814 is deactivated.

[0062]FIG. 8g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 8a. Keyboard housing 811 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 818 and base housing 812 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 817 to substantially coplanar positionsadjacent with display area 814. The computing device, sensing the closedposition of base housing 812 with respect to display area 814 enters asecond mode of reduced power consumption. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, keyboard housing 811 is deactivated to transmit userinput and all of display area 814 is deactivated. For an alternativeembodiment base housing 812 enters a standby configuration.

[0063]FIG. 9a illustrates an alternative embodiment of a transformablecomputing device having a first user interactive configuration with afully active display area 914 pivotally attached about pivot axis 918and a keyboard housing 911 pivotally attached about pivot axis 916,keyboard housing 911 forming an angle 913 with display area 914 ofsubstantially 90 degrees or more. For one embodiment of thetransformable computing device, base housing 912 is pivotally attachedabout pivot axis 917 with respect to display area 914, pivot axis 918,keyboard housing 911 and pivot axis 916. For one alternative embodimentof the transformable computing device, pivot axis 917 and pivot axis 918function as a double acting hinge. For another alternative embodiment ofthe transformable computing device, pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918function as a second double acting hinge.

[0064]FIG. 9b illustrates a second user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing 911 covering partof the display area 914 to place the display device in a mode of reducedpower consumption while another part 924 of the display area remainsvisible and interactive. Keyboard housing 911 is displaced about pivotaxis 916 and also about pivot axis 918 from the position of the firstuser interactive configuration to a position substantially coplanar withdisplay area 914 in the second user interactive configuration.

[0065]FIG. 9c illustrates a third user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with a fully active display area 914 andwith the base housing 912 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 917forming an angle 910 with a back surface opposite display area 914 ofsubstantially 90 degrees to support the computing device from behind thedisplay. Keyboard housing 911 forms an angle 913 about pivot axis 916and pivot axis 918 with the front surface of display area 914 ofsubstantially 90 degrees or more.

[0066]FIG. 9d illustrates a fourth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing 911 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918 to a positionsubstantially coplanar with display area 914 to place the display devicein a mode of reduced power consumption. While keyboard housing 911covers part of the display area 914, another part 924 of the displayarea remains visible and interactive. Base housing 912 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 917 forming an angle 910 with the backsurface opposite display area 914 of substantially 90 degrees to supportthe computing device from behind the display.

[0067]FIG. 9e illustrates a fifth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with a fully active display area 914 andwith the base housing 912 pivotally displaced about pivot axis 917 andpivot axis 918 to a coplanar position adjacent with the back surface ofthe display. Keyboard housing 911 again forms an angle 913 about pivotaxis 916 and pivot axis 918 with the front surface of display area 914of substantially 90 degrees or more.

[0068]FIG. 9f illustrates a sixth user interactive configuration of thecomputing device of FIG. 9a with the keyboard housing 911 pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918 to a mode of reducedpower consumption while the base housing 912 is pivotally displacedabout pivot axis 917 and pivot axis 918 to a coplanar position adjacentwith the back surface of the display. While keyboard housing 911 coverspart of the display area 914, another part 924 of the display arearemains visible and interactive. For one embodiment of the computingdevice, display area 914 is deactivated to transmit user input in thecoplanar position adjacent with keyboard housing 911. For an alternativeembodiment of the computing device, part 924 of the display area 914 isactivated to transmit user input in the coplanar position adjacent withkeyboard housing 911 but the covered part of display area 914 andkeyboard housing 911 are deactivated.

[0069]FIG. 9g illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 9a. Keyboard housing 911 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 916 and pivot axis 918 and base housing 912is pivotally displaced about pivot axis 917 and pivot axis 918 tosubstantially coplanar positions adjacent with display area 914. Thecomputing device, sensing the closed position of base housing 912 withrespect to display area 914 enters a standby or shut down configuration.

[0070]FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a computingdevice 1000 having a display device 1014 and a keyboard housing 1011,which is pivotally attached with display device 1014 proximate edge1015. For one embodiment of computing device 1000, keyboard housing 1011is pivotally displaceable about edge 1015 from a first positionsubstantially coplanar with the surface of the display device 1014wherein a portion of the display area of display device 1014 is visuallyobscured by keyboard housing 1011 and is not active to display output orto transmit user input. For one embodiment of computing device 1000,keyboard housing 1011 is active to transmit user input when in thisfirst position. Keyboard housing 1011 is also displaceable to a secondposition with the surface of display device 1014 wherein the bottomportion of the display area is visible and the entire display area ofdisplay device 1014 is active to display output and to transmit userinput (for example from a touch of a stylus, digit, light pen or otherdevice).

[0071]FIG. 11 illustrates one alternative embodiment of a userinteractive configuration of a computing device in a mode of reducedpower consumption with a keyboard housing 1111 pivotally attached aboutpivot axis 1116 and covering a portion of the display area of displaydevice 1113 while the display area 1114 remains visible and interactive,a base housing 1112 being pivotally displaced about pivot axis 1117 andpivot axis 1118 to a coplanar position adjacent with the back surface ofdisplay device 1113. For one embodiment keyboard housing 1111 ispivotally displaceable about a double acting hinge comprising pivot axis1116 and pivot axis 1119 attached with base housing 1112. For anotherembodiment keyboard housing 1111 comprises a detachable and/orreversible keyboard. For one alternative embodiment display device 1113is pivotally displaceable about a double acting hinge comprising pivotaxis 1118 and pivot axis 1117 attached with base housing 1112. Foranother alternative embodiment keyboard housing 1111 is pivotallydisplaceable about pivot axis 1116 and/or pivot axis 1118 attached withdisplay device 1113.

[0072]FIG. 12 illustrates another alternative embodiment of a userinteractive configuration of a computing device with a fully activedisplay area 1214, a base housing 1212 being pivotally displaced aboutpivot axis 1217 and pivot axis 1218 to a coplanar position adjacent withthe back surface of the display 1213, and a keyboard housing 1211 beingpivotally displaced about pivot axis 1216 and pivot axis 1219 to acoplanar position adjacent with the base housing 1212. For oneembodiment of the computing device, the entire display area 1214 ofdisplay 1213 is active to display output and to transmit user input.

[0073]FIG. 13 illustrates a closed standby or shut down configuration ofthe computing device of FIG. 11 or of FIG. 12. A keyboard housing ispivotally displaced about pivot axis 1316 and optionally about pivotaxis 1319. Base housing 1312 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis1317 and pivot axis 1318. Both are displaced to substantially coplanarpositions adjacent with display 1313. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, sensing the closed position of base housing 1312 withrespect to display 1313, base housing 1312 enters a standby or shut downconfiguration.

[0074]FIG. 14a illustrates in detail one alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice. Keyboard housing 1411 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis1418 and optionally about pivot axis 1417. Base housing 1412 ispivotally displaced about pivot axis 1417 and pivot axis 1418. Both aredisplaced to substantially coplanar positions adjacent with display1413. For one embodiment of the computing device, sensing the closedposition, base housing 1412 enters a standby or shut down configuration.

[0075]FIG. 14b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 14a with keyboard housing1411 optionally displaced about pivot axis 1418 and pivot axis 1417 to amode of reduced power consumption while base housing 1412 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1417 and pivot axis 1418 to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of display 1413.

[0076]FIG. 14c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 14a with afully active display 1413, keyboard housing 1411 being supported by basehousing 1412 which is pivotally displaced to form an angle ofsubstantially 90 degrees with the front surface of display 1413.

[0077]FIG. 15a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice. Keyboard housing 1511 is pivotally displaced about pivot axis1516 and pivot axis 1518. Base housing 1512 is pivotally displaced aboutpivot axis 1517 and pivot axis 1518. Both are displaced to substantiallycoplanar positions adjacent with display 1513. For one embodiment of thecomputing device, sensing the closed position, base housing 1512 entersa standby or shut down configuration.

[0078]FIG. 15b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 15a with keyboard housing1511 displaced about pivot axis 1516 and pivot axis 1518 to a mode ofreduced power consumption while base housing 1512 is pivotally displacedabout pivot axis 1517 and pivot axis 1518 to a coplanar positionadjacent with the back surface of display 1513.

[0079]FIG. 15c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 15a with afully active display 1513 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1518,keyboard housing 1511 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1516 to pivotaxis 1518, and being supported by base housing 1512, which is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1517 and pivot axis 1518 to form an angle ofsubstantially 90 degrees with the front surface of display 1513.

[0080]FIG. 16a illustrates in detail another alternative embodiment of aclosed, standby or shut down configuration of a transformable computingdevice. Both keyboard housing 1611, pivotally displaced about pivot axis1616 and pivot axis 1619; and base housing 1612, pivotally displacedabout pivot axis 1617, are displaced to substantially coplanar positionsadjacent with display 1613. Base housing 1612 enters a standby or shutdown configuration.

[0081]FIG. 16b illustrates in detail a user interactive configuration ofthe transformable computing device of FIG. 16a with keyboard housing1611 optionally displaced about pivot axis 1616 and pivot axis 1619 to amode of reduced power consumption while base housing 1612 is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1617 and pivot axis 1618 to a coplanarposition adjacent with the back surface of display 1613.

[0082]FIG. 16c illustrates in detail another user interactiveconfiguration of the transformable computing device of FIG. 16a with afully active display 1613 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1618,keyboard housing 1611 pivotally attached about pivot axis 1616 to pivotaxis 1619, and being supported by base housing 1612, which is pivotallydisplaced about pivot axis 1617 and pivot axis 1618 to form an angle ofsubstantially 90 degrees with the front surface of display 1613.

[0083]FIG. 17a illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of aprocess for configuring a plurality of user interactive modes of atransformable computing device. Processing blocks that perform process1701 and other processes herein disclosed may comprise dedicatedhardware or software or firmware operation codes executable by generalpurpose machines or by special purpose machines or by a combination ofboth.

[0084] In processing block 1711 a key-entry housing is being pivotedabout an edge of a display. Processing then proceeds in processing block1712. In processing block 1712 a check is performed to see if a changein angle is sensed. If not, processing continues in processing block1712 until a change is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1713 where the angle is checked to see if it issubstantially ninety (90) degrees or more. If so, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1717 where the first interactive user configuration isinitiated and processing then continues in processing block 1712 untilanother change in angle is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1714 where the angle is checked to see if it issubstantially zero (0) degrees. If so, processing proceeds in processingblock 1716 where the second interactive user configuration is initiatedand processing then continues in processing block 1712 until anotherchange in angle is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds in processingblock 1715 where no change in interactive user configuration isinitiated and processing returns to processing block 1712 until a newchange in angle is sensed.

[0085]FIG. 17b illustrates a flow diagram for one embodiment of aprocess 1702 for optionally configuring between a plurality of userinteractive modes and a standby mode of a transformable computingdevice. In processing block 1721 a key-entry housing is being pivotedabout an edge of a display. Processing then proceeds in processing block1722. In processing block 1722 a check is performed to see if a changein angle is sensed. If not, processing continues in processing block1722 until a change is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1723 where the angle is checked to see if it issubstantially ninety (90) degrees or more. If so, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1727 where the previous interactive user configurationis resumed and processing then continues in processing block 1722 untilanother change in angle is sensed. Otherwise, processing proceeds inprocessing block 1724 where the angle is checked to see if it issubstantially zero (0) degrees. If so, processing proceeds in processingblock 1726 where the current interactive user configuration is switchedto a standby configuration and processing then continues in processingblock 1722 until another change in angle is sensed. Otherwise,processing proceeds in processing block 1725 where no change in deviceconfiguration is initiated and processing returns to processing block1722 until a new change in angle is sensed.

[0086] The above description is intended to illustrate preferredembodiments of the present invention. From the discussion above itshould also be apparent that especially in such an area of technology,where growth is fast and further advancements are not easily foreseen,the invention may be modified in arrangement and detail by those skilledin the art without departing from the principles of the presentinvention within the scope of the accompanying claims and theirequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A method comprising: opening a first housingattached with a display device having a first display area and a seconddisplay area; uncovering the second display area to activate the seconddisplay area; and closing the first housing over the display device tocover the second display area and place the display device in a firstmode of reduced power consumption, wherein the first display area isvisible and is active.
 2. The method of claim 1 further comprising:closing a second housing over the display device to cover the firstdisplay area and to place the display device in a second mode of reducedpower consumption.
 3. The method of claim 2 wherein the first displayarea and the second display area are both deactivated in the secondmode.
 4. The method of claim 1 wherein the first display area is activeto accept user input in the first mode.
 5. The method of claim 4 whereinthe first display area is touch sensitive in the first mode.
 6. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the second display area is touch sensitive andis activated to accept user input by opening the first housing.
 7. Themethod of claim 1 wherein the first mode of reduced power consumption isaccomplished in part by deactivating back-lighting for the seconddisplay area.
 8. A method comprising: placing a display device in afirst mode of reduced power consumption by closing a first housing overthe display device having a first display area and a second display areato cover the second display area, wherein the first display area isvisible and active to display scrolled output; and placing the displaydevice in a second mode of greater power consumption than the first modeby opening the first housing to uncover the second display area, whereinthe second display area is active.
 9. The method of claim 8 furthercomprising: closing a second housing over the display device to coverthe first display area and to place the display device in a third modeof reduced power consumption with respect to the second mode, the thirdmode different from the first mode.
 10. The method of claim 9 whereinthe first display area and the second display area both deactivated inthe third mode.
 11. The method of claim 8 wherein the first display areais touch sensitive in the first mode.
 12. The method of claim 11 whereinthe second display area is touch sensitive and is activated to acceptuser input by opening the first housing.
 13. An apparatus comprising: aninteractive display device having a surface comprising a first displayarea and a second display area; a first housing attached in asubstantially coplanar first position with the surface of the displaydevice wherein the second display area is inactive and visually obscuredby the first housing, the first display area is visible and active toreceive user input and to display output, the first housing beingdisplaceable to a second position with the surface of the display devicewherein the first display area and the second display area are bothvisible and both active to display output.
 14. The apparatus of claim 13wherein the first display area is touch sensitive in the first position.15. The apparatus of claim 14, the first housing comprising a keyboardto accept user input in the second position.
 16. The apparatus of claim13 wherein the first display area and the second display area are touchsensitive in the second position.
 17. The apparatus of claim 16, thefirst housing comprising a keyboard to accept user input in the firstposition.
 18. An apparatus comprising: an interactive display devicehaving a surface comprising a first display area and a second displayarea; a first housing attached in a substantially coplanar firstposition with the surface of the display device wherein the seconddisplay area is placed in a mode of reduced power consumption andobscured by the first housing while the first display area is visibleand activated to receive user input and to display output, the firsthousing displaceable to a second position with the surface of thedisplay device wherein the first display area and the second displayarea are both visible and activated to display output.
 19. The apparatusof claim 18 wherein the mode of reduced power consumption isaccomplished in part by deactivating back-lighting for the seconddisplay area in the first position.
 20. The apparatus of claim 19, thefirst housing comprising a keyboard to accept user input in the secondposition.
 21. The apparatus of claim 18 wherein the first display areaand the second display area are touch sensitive and activated to receiveuser input in the second position.
 22. The apparatus of claim 21, thefirst housing comprising a keyboard to accept user input in the firstposition.
 23. An apparatus comprising: a display device having a surfacecomprising a first display area and a second display area; asubstantially planar first housing pivotally attached with said displaydevice proximate a first edge of the first housing and displaceable froma substantially coplanar first position with the surface of the displaydevice to a second position with the surface of the display devicewherein an angle is formed along said first edge of at least 90 degreesbetween the surface of the display device and the first housing, thefirst display area being visible and being activated to receive userinput and to display output in said first position, the second displayarea being visible and being activated to display output in said secondposition but being covered by the first housing and being placed in amode of reduced power consumption in said first position.
 24. Theapparatus of claim 23 wherein back-lighting of the second display areais deactivated in the first position.
 25. The apparatus of claim 24, thefirst housing comprising a keyboard to accept user input in the secondposition.
 26. The apparatus of claim 23 wherein the second display areais touch sensitive and activated to receive user input in the secondposition.
 27. The apparatus of claim 26, the first housing comprising akeyboard to accept user input in the first position.
 28. An apparatuscomprising: a display device having a surface comprising a first displayarea and a second display area; and a first housing attached in asubstantially coplanar first position with the surface of the displaydevice wherein the second display area is visually obscured by the firsthousing and is not active to display output but the first display areais visible and is active to display output comprising a plurality ofuser selectable applications, the first housing being displaceable to asecond position with the surface of the display device wherein the firstdisplay area and the second display area are both visible and are bothactive to display output comprising a plurality of user selectableapplications.
 29. The apparatus of claim 28 wherein the first displayarea is touch-sensitive to accept user input in the first position. 30.The apparatus of claim 29, the first housing comprising a keyboard toaccept user input in the second position.
 31. The apparatus of claim 28wherein the second display area is touch sensitive and deactivated foraccepting user input in the first position but activated to receive userinput in the second position.
 32. The apparatus of claim 31, the firsthousing comprising a keyboard to accept user input in the firstposition.
 33. An apparatus comprising: a first housing having a firstedge, the first housing comprising a display device having a firstdisplay area and a second display area; a second housing pivotallyattached with said first housing proximate said first edge in a firstclosed position substantially coplanar with the first housing whereinthe second display area is placed in a mode of reduced power consumptionand is visually obscured by the first housing but the first display areais visible and is activated to display output, the second housingpivotally displaceable to a first open position wherein the firstdisplay area and the second display area are both visible and are bothactivated to display output; and a third housing pivotally attached withsaid second housing in a second closed position substantially coplanarwith the first housing wherein the first display area and the seconddisplay area are both covered and are both deactivated to displayoutput, the third housing displaceable to a second open position whereinat least the first display area is visible and is activated to displayoutput.
 34. The apparatus of claim 33 wherein the second housingcomprises a keyboard.
 35. The apparatus of claim 34 wherein the thirdhousing comprises a central processing unit.
 36. A computing systemcomprising: an addressable memory to store data; a processor to accessdata from said addressable memory responsive to user input; a displaydevice to display data output from said processor, the display devicehaving a first display area and a second display area; a keyboardpivotally attached with said display device in a first closed positionwherein the second display area is placed in a mode of reduced powerconsumption and is visually obscured by the keyboard but the firstdisplay area is visible and is activated to display output, the keyboardpivotally displaceable to a first open position wherein the firstdisplay area and the second display area are both visible and are bothactivated to display output data; and a housing pivotally attached withsaid keyboard in a second closed position substantially coplanar withthe display device wherein the first display area and the second displayarea are both covered and are both deactivated to display output, thehousing displaceable to a second open position wherein at least thefirst display area is visible and is activated to display output data.37. The computing system of claim 36 wherein the first display area andthe second display area both deactivated in the second closed position.38. The computing system of claim 37 wherein the first display area istouch sensitive in the first closed position.
 39. The computing systemof claim 38, said keyboard to accept user input in the first openposition.
 40. The computing system of claim 36, said keyboard to acceptuser input in the first closed position.
 41. The computing system ofclaim 40 wherein the second display area is touch sensitive and isactivated to accept user input in the first open position.